TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are weekend home-viewing tips:

* Today--”The Century” (KABC, 9-11 p.m.) In ABC’s new documentary series, the first episode traces Hitler’s rise from down-and-out drifter to the pinnacle of power in Europe; the second explains how American scientists caught up with and beat Germany in the race to build the first atomic bomb. VCR+57410. Series continues Saturday, Monday and April 8 and 10, covering World War I, the Depression, Vietnam, Elvis, the Cold War, civil rights and the Iran crisis. Log on at https://www.TheCentury.com.

* Friday--”Beyond Black and White: Affirmative Action in America” (KCET, 9-10 p.m.) This recently taped discussion conveys a wide range of viewpoints expressed by college presidents, university regents, students, members of Congress, public school administrators, journalists, lawyers, judges and business leaders. VCR+499376.

* Saturday--”SciSquad” (DISC, 9:40-10:10 a.m.) Premiere of a weekend live-action series in which a team of kids solves an actual science problem. Saturday, it’s smelly socks. Sunday, it’s noise. Future weekends will focus on squirrels, lightning, water, construction, hurricanes and motion sickness. Also, “The Rise of Christianity” (A&E;, 10 a.m.-noon) This documentary describes the Romans’ execution of Christ, their persecution of early Christians, the conversion of their Emperor Constantine to Christianity and the fall of their empire. VCR+195135.

* Sunday--”The Body of Christ in the Art of Europe and New Spain 1150-1800” (KCET, 12:30-1 p.m.) This documentary focuses on 76 objects portraying Christ from museum collections in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe. Also, “Cold War: Conclusions” (CNN, 5-6 p.m. repeating 9-10 p.m.) The final episode of CNN’s 24-part documentary covers the period 1989-91. For accompanying educational resources, including a book, poster and CD-ROM containing newly released primary documents, log on at https://CNN.com/ColdWar.

* Special viewing note--On Tuesday, 10-11 p.m., KCET will air “Fei Hu: The Story of the Flying Tigers,” a new documentary about the World War II American fighter pilots based in China, whose planes were painted with distinctive shark’s teeth (fei hu) markings. It includes unique interviews with their surviving Japanese air-combat adversaries and Nationalist Chinese military allies.

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, Cal State University. Columns available atwww.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.